Mark Payne – Guard

Born: June 17, 1988

Weight: 195 lbs/ 88.5 kg

Height: 6’7”/ 2.01 m

Current Team: Unicaja

Year Acquired: 2011

Hometown: Stockton, California

Stats:

Bio:

Mark Payne is a hybrid guard/forward and has nice size at the 1 or 2 position.  He shoots the ball well and is able to manage the game well at the point.  Payne has excellent free-throw shooting (82%) and shows very good accuracy on open shots in the 15-20 foot range.  He does a very good job getting separation for these moves off the dribble, being capable of hitting these shots moving in either direction. Payne shows extremely good coordination and balance in all aspects of his game.  Payne has done a good job using his body control and coordination to maneuver through defenders in the lane, showing very good touch off the glass, which still allows him to be a strong finisher in the paint.

In terms of ball-handling, Payne is above average for a shooting guard, and he performs very well in space and transition.  He shows craftiness and good changes of speed with the ball and does a good job creating high percentage shots in the paint by shooting over the opposition.

In the passing game, Payne exhibits excellent court vision and an ability to pass on the move, excelling in the pick and roll and transition, while also having a knack for the simple passes.  His passing will definitely be a strong asset from the shooting guard position, where he is more likely to play.

Defensively, Payne is a scrappy and active player who uses his length well in the passing lanes and shows a good stance in man-to-man defense on the perimeter.

Achievements:

2009-10 – Big West active career leader in three separate categories including points (964), assists (352) and steals (149).

2008-09 – All-Big West Conference Second Team

2007-08 – Big West Conference Freshman of the Year

2006-07 – First-Team All-Tri City Athletic League Honors – St Mary HS

2006-07 – Led St. Mary HS to CIF NorCal Division III Title